Ghana prioritizing equity and inclusion in education financing – Dr. Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has highlighted Ghana’s commitment to strengthening equity and inclusion in education through deliberate domestic financing policies.

Speaking at a high-level webinar aligned with the Global Partnership for Education 2026–2030 Financing Campaign, he said Ghana has moved beyond focusing solely on access to education.

“We are no longer concerned only with access. We are equally focused on ensuring that education spending is fair, inclusive, and responsive to gender needs,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that the country’s approach is guided not just by how much is invested, but how effectively resources are allocated.

“In simple terms, how we spend matters just as much as how much we spend,” he added.

According to him, Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) reflects this shift, with targeted interventions aimed at improving outcomes for girls and vulnerable learners.

He cited the Capitation Grant Scheme as a key policy that has helped remove financial barriers at the basic level, leading to increased enrolment and improved access, particularly in underserved communities.

The Deputy Minister also pointed to the impact of social protection programmes such as the Ghana School Feeding Programme, which he said continues to improve attendance and learning outcomes.

“Evidence consistently shows that school feeding, in particular, keeps children, especially girls, in school, even in food-insecure communities,” he stated.

On gender-focused interventions, Dr. Apaak highlighted the government’s sanitary pad distribution programme, describing it as a critical step in addressing menstrual health challenges.

“By treating menstrual health as a core part of education and social protection, Ghana is tackling a key cause of absenteeism and ensuring that dignity, health, and learning go hand in hand,” he said.

Beyond individual programmes, he explained that Ghana is institutionalising equity through gender-responsive budgeting.

“This ensures that equity is built into planning from the start, not added later,” he said.

On inclusive education, Dr. Apaak revealed that significant resources have been allocated to support persons with disabilities through the Ghana Education Trust Fund.

“This is a clear statement of Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind,” he added.

While highlighting progress, he acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in accountability and outcomes.

“We must improve how we track spending, strengthen accountability, and ensure that increased investment leads to better learning outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable,” he said.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustaining domestic investment and strengthening partnerships to advance inclusive education.

“Education is not a cost. It is the most strategic investment any nation can make,” Dr. Apaak concluded.